Brian Burke won't march in opening ceremony

Brian Burke, general manager of the U.S. men's Olympic hockey team, has decided not to march in the opening ceremony Friday in the wake of his son's death in a car accident last Friday.

Burke had planned to march into BC Place with the U.S. delegation but canceled his plans, a spokesman for USA Hockey confirmed Wednesday. The spokesman also said he was not sure when Burke would arrive.

Brendan Burke, 21, and a friend, Mark Reedy, died as the result of injuries they suffered in a two-vehicle accident on a snowy road in Indiana. Funeral services for Brendan Burke were held Tuesday in Canton, Mass., and for Reedy in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Burke's decision will leave Kings defenseman Jack Johnson as the only representatives of the men's hockey team who plan to participate in the opening ceremony. The NHL season continues through Sunday, making it impossible for most players to march here. The men's hockey tournament starts Tuesday.

The U.S. women's team plans to march in the opening ceremony.

-- Helene Elliott